Photodynamic therapy is gaining traction as a promising cancer treatment. These new therapies are proving to be more targeted and less invasive than treatments like chemotherapy. This approach uses photocatalysis to activate specialized catalysts, typically nano-photocatalysts, to create a chemical reaction that kills tumors. As this technology grows, PDT is improving at targeting deeper cancer tissue but still has a long way to go.
How PDT Works
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses light, oxygen, and light-responsive materials (photosensitizers) to absorb energy from light and transfer it to molecular oxygen to create cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. This technique has several advantages:
- Synergistic combination of inorganic materials with unique physical properties
- Improved targeting of biomolecules and multi-functional drugs in an ideal therapeutic system.
- Ability to overcome biological barriers, like the blood-brain barrier
The basic function of PDT is to irradiate the tumor with a specific wavelength, activating photosensitive drugs that have built up in the tumor, and creating a photochemical reaction that kills the tumor cells.
Addressing Toxic Side-Effects
Traditional drug therapy often comes with toxic side effects and limited effectiveness. To address this, researchers have developed a new approach called "drug-free therapeutics." This method doesn't use traditional drugs or consume therapeutic agents during treatment. Instead, it uses a special nanocatalyst (a Z-scheme SnS1.68-WO2.41) that, when exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light, generates oxidative holes and hydrogen molecules. These components work together to treat cancer without the need for drugs.
The nanocatalyst targets and consumes excess glutathione (GSH) in tumors and produces hydrogen molecules in a controlled manner under NIR light. This dual action disrupts the cancer cells' energy supply and redox balance, leading to DNA damage and cell death. This innovative approach offers high efficacy and low toxicity in cancer treatment.
Current State of Photocatalysis Research
Despite large strides in photocatalysis progress, many researchers still struggle with the lack of standardization in photoreactor setups. Having the ability to control temperature and light intensity is crucial to reproducing results and ensuring experiments are as accurate as possible.
Instruments like the Photoreactor m2 are helping researchers establish a consistent platform to their research. One 2024 study found that temperature control was crucial for organic synthesis and drug discovery and noted a need for uniform irradiation and higher-density plates.
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The Photoreactor m2 is trusted for its exceptional standardization and repeatability. Deliver uniform irradiation while adjusting for temperature, light intensity, time, and stir rate.
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Challenges
One of the key challenges in this field is controlling the UV-Vis light to effectively initiate the photocatalytic reaction while overcoming the limitation of penetration depth. Researchers are exploring ways to break through the conventional mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to avoid further deterioration of the hypoxic environment in tumor areas. This involves investigating whether abundant ROS can be produced in a reducing environment in vivo to attack DNA molecules in tumor cells.
Another critical aspect of this research is controlling the toxicity of photocatalysts and managing drug consumption caused by metabolism or immune responses. By addressing these challenges, scientists aim to develop safer and more effective photocatalytic cancer therapies that minimize side effects and maximize therapeutic benefits. This innovative approach holds the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by offering a non-invasive, targeted, and efficient method to combat tumors.
Acceled's photoreactors, m2 and cLight, currently offer software in which researchers can record results and parameters in formats that may lend themselves to AI data analysis.
